30 Fun Things to Do Lubbock, Texas

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Lubbock is a unique city located in Texas, United States. The city is notably known as the birthplace of rock n' roll icon Buddy Holly. It additionally features many exciting and unique landmarks and attractions to visit.

Fun things to do in Lubbock, Texas, range from visiting the Buddy Holly Center to checking out unique attractions like the American Windmill Museum or seeing adorable prairie dogs at Prairie Dog Town.

Lubbock is also close to Dallas and Fort Worth, both of which make excellent day trip locations. Want to learn more about all the things to do in Lubbock? Read on for 35 activity suggestions!

Heading to Lubbock and planning last-minute?

When visiting Lubbock, book your accommodations before you go. See the short list of top suggestions below.

🏨 Top accommodations in Lubbock

• Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lubbock Medical Center (under $100 USD a night)
• Best Western Plus Tech Medical Center Inn (rated highly)
• Ashmore Inn & Suites Lubbock (relax by the pool)

30 Fun Things to Do in Lubbock, TX

Lubbock, Texas, Things to Do

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Visit the Museum of Texas Tech University

The Museum of Texas Tech University is a natural history and art museum that also has a planetarium and natural science research laboratory. Within the main museum, you can see a range of exhibits, from those on ecology and wildlife to those showcasing artworks and fashion pieces. You can also visit the planetarium to learn about astronomy and watch educational movies.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to the Museum of Texas Tech University

• Hyatt Place Lubbock (top-rated)
• Courtyard by Marriott Lubbock Downtown University Area (relaxing pool)

Dine at The West Table

The West Table is one of the best restaurants in Lubbock and is well worth dining at. The eatery serves contemporary American dishes, including options like roasted beet salad or pan-roasted chicken with warm potato salad. Menu options vary daily, so you can try new dishes each time you visit.

🏨 Places to stay close to The West Table Kitchen and Bar

• Hampton Inn & Suites Lubbock University, tx (top-rated)
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lubbock Central - Univ Area (offers a pool)

Taste local wines at English Newsom Cellars

Going to English Newsom Cellars is a must for those that enjoy tasting local wines. At the charming West Texas vineyard, you can sample a variety of wines before buying a bottle or two of your favorite. Exclusive tours of the vineyard and wine-making facilities, with barrel tasting, are also offered.

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See WWII planes at Silent Wings Museum

If you're interested in WWII history, going to the Silent Wings Museum is one of the best things to do in Lubbock, Texas. Housed in a former Lubbock Airport terminal building, the attraction covers aircraft used in the war, especially glider planes, and stories about their pilots. You'll be able to see real airplanes, plus other artifacts.

Stroll around the Lubbock Memorial Arboretum

A great way to enjoy nature while in the area is by going to the Lubbock Memorial Arboretum. The 93-acre park has lots of wildlife, plus stunning gardens and scenic trails. Plants to see in the gardens include roses, perennials, and wildflowers that attract many small creatures like bees and butterflies.

🏨 Accommodation close to Lubbock Memorial Arboretum

• Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lubbock (well-priced for the area)

Shop for unique pieces at the Antique Mall of Lubbock

The Antique Mall of Lubbock is a great place to look around if you like finding unique pieces. The 24,000-square-foot mall sells a range of goods, from furniture and pottery to jewelry, toys, and books. As you explore the store, you're guaranteed to find at least a few one-of-a-kind items to purchase.

Hang out at Mackenzie Main City Park

Mackenzie Main City Park, also known as Mackenzie Park for short, is a 248-acre park complete with trails for hiking or biking, a golf course, and even a prairie dog habitat! As you explore, you'll also find water features, lakes, and many varieties of trees. This park is the ideal place to spend some time in the fresh air with friends or family.

🏨 Place to stay close to Mackenzie Main City Park

• Overton Hotel & Conference Center (4-star rating)

Spot cute prairie dogs at Prairie Dog Town

Located in Mackenzie Park, Prairie Dog Town is a protected habitat home to many of these cute creatures. The area was established in the 1930s and was intended to protect the current prairie dogs that lived there and allow them to thrive. Today, you can wander through the area and are guaranteed to spot some of these adorable animals.

Take a class at Lubbock Municipal Garden and Arts Center

If you like learning new skills, one of the best things to do in Lubbock, TX, is taking a class at the Lubbock Municipal Garden and Arts Center. Classes are available for adults and teens, with classes and camps sometimes offered for kids under 12. Pottery, woodturning, and painting classes are just some of the options available.

Learn about ancient civilizations in Lubbock Lake National Historic Landmark

One of the most exciting places in the city is Lubbock Lake National Historic Landmark. The archaeological site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and covers 336 acres. The area has been home to humans and other animals, some of which are now extinct, for thousands of years.

At the site, you can see evidence of many civilizations, with some findings dating back 12,000 years. You can also learn about civilizations that are known to have settled in the area.

🏨 Stay nearby Lubbock Lake National Historic Landmark

• Best Western Plus Tech Medical Center Inn

Take your kids to the Science Spectrum Museum

One of the top things to do in Lubbock, Texas, if you're in the area with your kids, is going to the Science Spectrum Museum. The attraction was merged with the Lubbock Children's Museum and is now a fun place for kids of all ages to learn and play. The attraction has exhibits on science and technology, plus an Omni Theater with educational movies. Children under five can also enjoy play areas.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to Science Spectrum & OMNI Theater

• Ashmore Inn & Suites Lubbock (well-priced for the area)
• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Lubbock Southwest, TX (well-rated)

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View over 160 windmills at the American Windmill Museum

The American Wind Power Center, also known as the American Windmill Museum, is a fascinating attraction with approximately 160 windmills on display. The museum is the largest dedicated to windmills in the world! Along with seeing various styles of windmills, you can see exhibits on trains as well as some model trains.

Dance at the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts

The Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts hosts art exhibits and classes. One of the most fun types of classes to join is an Argentine Tango dance class. You'll learn all the basics or can improve your skills if you already have some dance experience. Other things to do here include attending tai chi sessions and viewing temporary art exhibits.

🏨 Accommodation nearby the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts

• Doubletree by Hilton Lubbock - University Area

Go to the Caviel Museum of African American History

Opened in 2015, the Caviel Museum of African American History is an interesting attraction to add to your must-visit list. The museum covers the history and culture of African Americans in the area, past and present. Interestingly, the exhibits are housed within the first pharmacy in the US to be owned by an African American couple.

Admire artworks at the Charles Adams Gallery

If you like art, one of the top things to do in Lubbock, TX, is going to the Charles Adams Gallery. The gallery opened in 1985 and features a variety of artworks. Most artworks are contemporary in style, and you can see many pieces by artists from Texas and neighboring New Mexico.

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Look around the Buddy Holly Center

Another specialty museum to visit in Lubbock is the Buddy Holly Center. The fine arts center's main exhibit focuses on Buddy Holly and has artifacts relating to his career and childhood. There are also other galleries with rotating art exhibits.

🏨 Nearest accommodation to the Buddy Holly Center

• Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lubbock (good value)

Grab a beer at a local brewery

Lubbock has numerous breweries to check out if you're looking for a laid-back place to relax with a beer. The Brewery LBK is a popular choice with both locals and visitors to the city. The trendy brewery serves beers and hard seltzers for all tastes, including beers with hints of pineapple and coconut or Irish whiskey!

Two Docs Brewing is another must-visit brewery. At the taproom, you can order a variety of craft beers, and flights are available if you can't decide which brew to order.

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Attend a football game at Jones AT&T Stadium

Jones AT&T Stadium is located at Texas Tech University and is home to the Texas Tech Red Raiders college football team. You can watch the team play here between September and November. Even if you aren't a huge sports fan, the games have a great atmosphere and are a lot of fun to attend!

Watch a Ballet Lubbock performance

Ballet Lubbock is the city's ballet company that hosts both professional performances and classes. Seeing a Ballet Lubbock performance is a fun idea, with shows hosted throughout the year, including a performance of The Nutcracker at Christmas. If you enjoy the ballet, you could take a class, with sessions for all ages and abilities offered.

Indulge in sweet treats at Holly Hop Ice Cream Shoppe

Holly Hop Ice Cream Shoppe is one of the Lubbock attractions you must visit if you have a sweet tooth. At the retro-style ice cream shop, you can order lots of sweets, from ice cream cones to sundaes, ice cream sandwiches, and milkshakes. Flavors range from classics to more unique options like cotton candy or bubble gum. Puppy cones for dogs are available too!

🏨 Accommodations close to Holly Hop Ice Cream Shoppe

• Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lubbock Medical Center (good value)
• Guest House Inn Medical District Near Texas Tech Univ (highly rated)

Go to the National Ranching Heritage Center

The National Ranching Heritage Center focuses on farming history from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. You can see ranch buildings and learn more about farming practices of the past. As you look around, you'll also get to see some old photos and artifacts from the last few hundred years.

Wander along the West Texas Walk of Fame

The West Texas Walk of Fame is Lubbock's version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles. It honors those in the arts, music, and entertainment who were born in or have lived in Lubbock and other parts of West Texas. Notably, you can see the Buddy Holly statue on the Walk of Fame.

Sip wine at McPherson Cellars Winery

McPherson Cellars Winery is another Lubbock winery where you can taste locally produced wines. At the tasting room, you can try the brand's delicious reds, whites, and roses.

Having tasted a selection of blends, you can purchase some of your favorites. If you live in the area and enjoyed the McPherson Cellars Winery wines, you can even join the brand's wine club!

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Catch a performance at the Cactus Theater

The Cactus Theater opened in 1938 and remains a popular performance venue to this day. Types of shows to see include concerts, musicals, and plays.

With a range of productions hosted, you're sure to find a show you want to see at the Cactus Theater. This famous venue is also one of the best places to go for a date night in Lubbock!

Go to the Fibermax Center for Discovery

Another interesting attraction in Lubbock is the Fibermax Center for Discovery. This museum focuses on agricultural history and practices. You can see farming equipment, including tractors, from past centuries and learn more about the evolution of agriculture in Texas.

Enjoy amusements at Adventure Park!

Adventure Park is a great place to go with your kids. This entertainment center has a range of amusements, from ropes courses, rock climbing walls, and bumper boats to arcade games and mini golf. Attractions are spread between the indoors and outdoors, so even if the weather isn't the best, there's still lots to do inside at Adventure Park.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to Adventure Park

• Comfort Suites - University (relax by the pool)
• Wingate by Wyndham Lubbock Near Texas Tech UnivMedical Ctr (good value)

Have fun at 4ORE! Golf

One of the super fun Lubbock things to do during the day or in the evening is going to 4ORE! Golf. The venue has golfing games that are suitable for all ages and sporting abilities. As you play, you can order snacks, including nachos, sandwiches, and pizza. Cocktails, beer, and wine are on offer, too. In addition, there's a patio with garden games to hang out on when the weather's nice.

🏨 Accommodations nearby 4ORE Golf and Restaurant

• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lubbock Southwest (well-priced for the area)
• Residence Inn by Marriott Lubbock Southwest (rated highly)

Things to Do Near Lubbock, TX

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Road trip to Fort Worth

Fort Worth is located about four and a half hours from Lubbock and is an exciting place to drive to. Things to do in Fort Worth include going to the Fort Worth Stock Yards, visiting art galleries and museums, and checking out bars, including the city's quirky honky tonk bars.

If you want to explore more of the West Texas area, a trip to Fort Worth from Lubbock definitely has to be on your Texas bucket list!

🏨 Places to stay near Fort Worth

• Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Worth Downtown (scored highly by guests)
• Aloft Fort Worth Downtown (soak up the sun poolside)

Boat at Buffalo Springs Lake

Going to Buffalo Springs Lake is one of the Lubbock activities that will appeal to you if you enjoy being outdoors. The lake is the perfect place to go boating, with other water sports like kayaking and jet skiing also popular. In addition, trails can be found around the lake, and camping spots are available if you want to spend the night in nature.

Spend a weekend in Dallas

Dallas is another excellent destination to visit that's about four and a half hours from Lubbock. This well-known city is home to many Texas landmarks and also has lots of other attractions.

Activities in Dallas range from taking in the views from Reunion Tower to going to the 6th Floor Museum to learn about the JFK assassination. While in Dallas, also check out Arlington, located 20 minutes away. Sports fans will especially want to visit as things to do in Arlington include going to a Dallas Cowboys or Texas Rangers game.

🏨 Accommodations nearby Dallas

• Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Dallas (4-star rating)
• Hampton Inn & Suites Dallas Downtown (scored highly by guests)

In Conclusion

Have you been wondering what to do in Lubbock, Texas? This article with 30 fun activities should have given you lots of fantastic ideas. Whether you want to visit museums and art galleries, take your family to kid-friendly attractions, or explore the great outdoors, you'll find many things to do in this Texas city!

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